Renewable and low carbon energy will provide the foundation of our future energy system, offering Scotland a huge opportunity for economic and industrial growth.
We are promoting and exploring the potential of Scotland's renewable energy resource and its ability to meet our local and national heat, transport and electricity needs, while also contributing to meeting our ambitious emissions reduction targets.
By 2030 we aim to generate 50% of Scotland's overall energy consumption from renewable sources, and by 2050 we aim to have decarbonised our energy system almost completely.
Actions
We are supporting low-carbon energy by:
- supporting the development of the hydrogen sector and carbon capture and storage (CCS) through the Emerging Energy Technologies Fund (EETF)
- promoting the development of onshore wind in Scotland and across the UK
- working with partners to develop offshore wind opportunities
- supporting the marine energy sector and tidal innovation through the £10 million Saltire Tidal Energy Challenge Fund
- making it easier to invest in local and small-scale renewables
- encouraging deployment of heat networks through regulation and support for sector growth
- developing a bioenergy action plan through research and working with partners
- investing £60 million in the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP)
- leading the low carbon transport transition by promoting the use of ultra low emission vehicles and removing barriers to their use
- supporting six islands to become carbon neutral by 2040
- exploring the potential for geothermal energy in Scotland
- obliging suppliers to source more electricity from renewable sources via the renewables obligation
- driving forward the hydrogen economy, amplifying decarbonisation and ensuring businesses and communities benefit through the work of the Scottish Hydrogen Industry Forum
Background
Scotland’s long-term climate change targets will require the near-complete decarbonisation of our energy system by 2050, with renewable energy meeting a significant share of our needs.
The Scottish energy strategy published in December 2017 sets a 2030 target for the equivalent of 50% of the energy for Scotland’s heat, transport and electricity consumption to be supplied by renewable sources. This builds on the previous target we set in 2009, which required 30% of Scotland’s heat, transport and electricity needs to be met by renewable sources.
We have made good progress to date, with the equivalent of 17.8% being met by renewable sources in 2015. Reaching 50% in 13 years will be challenging, particularly in more uncertain market conditions compared to those in the preceding decades, and due to the fact not all the relevant policy levers are devolved to Scotland. But the target demonstrates our commitment to a low-carbon energy system and to the continued growth of the renewable energy sector in Scotland. It also underlines our belief in the sector’s ability to build on its achievements and progress so far.
We are also committed to building Scotland's reputation internationally for excellence in energy. We are keen to continue forging collaborative partnerships with other countries, supporting the internationalisation pillar of Scotland’s Economic Strategy and to help meet the aims of our international policy statement and international framework.
Bills and legislation
Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009
Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill
Contact
Directorate for Energy and Climate Change Business management unit: DLEEBCEERSBMU@gov.scot
Phone: 0131 244 4000
Post:
Scottish Government
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Atlantic Quay
150 Broomielaw
Glasgow
G2 8LU